Rules Committee backs charter amendment to add 'Disability' to aging services department name

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors Rules Committee on July 8 recommended placing a charter amendment on the November ballot to rename the Department of Aging and Adult Services to the Department of Disability and Aging Services and to change the name of related commissions and funds.

Board President Norman Yee told the committee the department serves both older adults and people with disabilities and that the current name does not clearly signal services available to disabled residents. "Changing the department's name to include the term disability will more accurately reflect this role and guide community members to reach out to the department for support," he said during the meeting.

Serene Espadden, identified in the transcript as the department director, said the department’s history and a Dignity Fund community needs assessment showed many people with disabilities did not realize they could access services through the agency, reinforcing the need for clearer naming.

Public commenters, including representatives of the Dignity Fund Coalition, Senior and Disability Action and faith-based groups, urged the committee to approve the change. Several speakers noted they had updated organizational names to include disability and said the department's title should do the same.

Chair Supervisor Hillary Ronan moved the committee recommendation. With no objections, the motion passed unanimously and the committee will forward the charter amendment to the full Board of Supervisors for consideration.

The committee did not adopt any substantive changes to the amendment at the July 8 hearing; next steps include placement on the ballot and voter consideration.